Funding Pips Review: Is It the Right Prop Firm for You?
Comprehensive analysis of FundingPips' features, pricing, and performance to help you make an informed trading decision
Introduction
Funding Pips is a relatively new proprietary trading firm that offers funded account programs (all of which use simulated accounts) to forex and stock traders. This Funding Pips review examines the firm's origin, pricing, rules, and reputation to help traders decide if its model fits their goals. Founded and chaired by Khaled Ayesh, FundingPips is based in Dubai with international licenses (Comoros/Cyprus). The platform advertises account sizes from $5K up to $300K in virtual capital and profit splits up to 90–100% on certain payout cycles. However, as Warren Buffett reminds us, "Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing". For anyone considering a prop firm, it's crucial to read the fine print. FundingPips itself notes that "all accounts we provide are demo accounts in a simulated trading environment" (a practice the industry openly admits). In this article, key features and drawbacks will be outlined, and insights from industry experts and users will be cited to give a balanced picture.
Overview: Funding Pips Review
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Company Info | Founded by: Khaled Ayesh (26 years old) Location: Dubai, UAE Licenses: Comoros/Cyprus (IBC Reg Act 2014, license BFX2024004) Community: 163k+ Discord members, traders from 195+ countries |
| Account Types | Two-Step Challenge: 8% + 5% profit targets One-Step Master: 10% profit target Zero Program: Instant funding after review All accounts are simulated/demo with real market quotes |
| Pricing | $5K account: $55 $10K account: $88 $50K account: $235 $100K account: $400 Fees refunded on first payout |
| Profit Splits | Initial: 80-95% Scaling: Up to 100% Payouts: Weekly available Maximum scaling: Up to $1M accounts |
| Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 5 (MT5) Match-Trader cTrader (+$20, not available to US) EAs & Bots: Allowed |
| Risk Rules | Daily Loss Limit: 5% Total Loss Limit: 10% No weekend/news trading Minimum trading days: 3 per phase Leverage: 1:100 uniform |
| Key Advantages | Low entry costs (from $29) High profit splits (80-100%) Weekly payouts available Automation allowed 24/7 multilingual support |
| Key Concerns | All accounts are simulated Reported slippage/delays Strict rule enforcement Limited regulation oversight 2024 Trustpilot temporary suspension |
| Best Suited For | Algorithmic traders (EA users) Budget-conscious traders Crypto/forex traders Experienced risk managers Not ideal for beginners or risk-averse traders |
Funding Pips Review: Company Overview
FundingPips was created by Khaled Ayesh – a young trader who leveraged his finance background to launch the firm. The company's marketing emphasizes a global reach ("traders from 195+ countries") and a community-first ethos ("Your Skill Is Our Capital"). For example, its website proudly displays that traders have earned over $120+ million in virtual profits worldwide. In practice, however, no real brokerage money is used; rather, winning traders receive payouts from the firm's balance based on simulated performance. As a supplement to these claims, The Funded Trader – a similar prop program – explicitly states that a "funded account is a fully simulated account with real market quotes". In other words, FundingPips operates like a demo-bridge: traders must meet targets in a practice environment to earn cuts of virtual gains. The firm stresses discipline and patience in its rules. For instance, its own guidelines advise, "No need to rush…there is plenty of time to pass the evaluation successfully", reflecting a long-term mindset.
Industry observers have noted FundingPips' rapid growth. A DailyForex analysis describes it as a "Dubai-based proprietary trading firm founded by 26-year-old Khaled Ayesh" (circa 2020) with a "tech-first, trader-centric" approach. Founder Ayesh claims to have solved common problems in funding programs – introducing features like weekly payouts and a focus on user satisfaction. For example, he notes the firm offers "weekly rewards of millions every week, with a record of zero denials" for qualified traders. These innovations have earned FundingPips a loyal following on social media and chat platforms (a Discord with ~163k members).
Important Considerations
Despite positive spin, the prop firm space is unregulated, so independent verification is limited. FundingPips states it holds an international brokerage license (IBC Reg Act 2014, license BFX2024004) and multiple ISO certifications (27001, 22301, 9001) for security. On the other hand, because FundingPips trades are simulated, one should recall Warren Buffett's sage warning about unseen risk: "Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing". Traders must assume responsibility for their strategies; no prop firm, no matter how reputable, can eliminate market risk. As Howard Marks (Oaktree Capital co-founder) famously said, "The key is to survive at the low ends" – meaning one must plan for downturns, not just average gains. FundingPips' rules (detailed below) are designed to enforce some risk limits, but they also create failure modes (breaches that can cancel an account).
Funding Pips Review: Account Types & Pricing
FundingPips offers multiple evaluation formats and funded plans. Key options include a two-step challenge, a one-step (master) challenge, and a "Zero Program" for instant funding. The two-step challenge works in phases: a trader must first make a profit target (e.g. 8%) in Phase 1, then another target (e.g. 5%) in Phase 2. Each phase has strict drawdown limits (typically 5% daily and 10% overall) and at least 3 profitable trading days per phase. Traders passing both phases earn an 80% profit split on future funded trading. The one-step "master" challenge simplifies the process: it requires a single 10% profit target (same 5% daily / 10% total drawdown) and allows up to a 100% profit split once funded.
The "Zero Program" is another path: it skips the challenge stage and offers instant funding (at a 95% profit share) after an analysis review. This option is meant for traders who qualify through experience or external proof of strategy. In all cases, once funded, the trader's cut can increase further (e.g. 90–100%) through scaling at higher tiers. For instance, FundingPips advertises the ability to scale accounts up to $1,000,000 with 100% profit share at the elite level.
The evaluation fees are generally low compared to some peers. The firm's minimum fee is $29 for a $5,000 account. Actual fees depend on the account size and challenge type. The table below shows example fees for the standard two-step challenge (fees are one-time, paid upfront, and refundable on first payout):
| Account Size | Two-Step Evaluation Fee |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | $55 |
| $10,000 | $88 |
| $50,000 | $235 |
| $100,000 | $400 |
These figures come from FundingPips' published examples. Once a challenge is passed, the fee is reimbursed in the trader's profit split. Fees for one-step or Zero programs are set similarly. In all cases, no ongoing monthly fee is charged beyond these initial payments. As noted by DailyForex, "FundingPips evaluation fees are competitive", making it one of the more affordable start-up costs in the funded trading industry.
Funding Pips Review: Platforms & Trading Rules
FundingPips provides several trading platforms: MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Match-Trader, and cTrader. (A proprietary "Tradelocker" platform is also mentioned in some materials.) Notably, cTrader carries an extra $20 surcharge and is not available to U.S. users. Thus, U.S.-based traders are limited to MT5 and Match-Trader. All platforms allow desktop and mobile access and support popular markets (forex pairs, commodities, indices, and crypto). FundingPips even permits automated trading: Expert Advisors (EAs) and trading bots are allowed, which many prop firms forbid.
The risk rules mirror industry standards but are strictly enforced. For example, no weekend or news trading is allowed during funded accounts (many firms ban high-volatility times). High-frequency strategies and latency arbitrage are also prohibited. Traders face maximum loss limits: typically 5% per day and 10% total (static). During evaluation, funding requires at least 3 trading days (for each phase in a two-step challenge). In the funded stage, daily profits are capped (e.g. 45% of account value) to prevent runaway gains. Leverage is uniform (1:100 across all accounts). There are no "consistency" rules that force periodic profit-taking during evaluation; traders can hold positions, use stop-loss or not, and choose strategies freely so long as they meet targets without breaching drawdowns. Indeed, FundingPips' own guidelines emphasize discipline: "No need to rush…being dynamic is crucial.".
Altogether, FundingPips' conditions are typical of modern prop firms. As DailyForex notes, FundingPips "follows the best practices established across the prop firm industry", including one-phase and two-phase evaluations, scaled profit splits, and the ability to trade with EAs and crypto. On the other hand, traders should remember that all trading remains virtual: as FundingPips admits, no live capital is at risk. In practice, a funded account functions like a high-end demo account: your gains are "real" in your pocket only to the extent the firm honors payouts.
Funding Pips Review: Pros and Cons
To aid decision-making, key advantages and disadvantages are summarized below. This highlights the firm's stated strengths (pros) alongside reported concerns (cons), with citations from both official info and third-party reviews:
✓Pros
Pros: FundingPips offers low entry costs (fees from $29–$55 on small accounts). It provides high profit splits (80–95%, scaling to 100%) on up to $300K (and promises up to $1M). Many payout schedules are fast – some sources even claim "weekly payouts and a record of zero denials" for profitable trades. The program supports EAs and automation, which suits quant traders. Traders can use credit card or crypto to pay fees. The firm advertises 24/7 customer support in multiple languages and ISO security certifications. Overall, its "trader-first" messaging and an active community (Discord, social) give it a reputation for transparency.
⚠Cons
Cons: All FundingPips accounts are simulated – no real capital is used. This means ultimately the firm pays out from its own pool, so solvency/trust is a concern. Users have reported slippage and delays in practice. Some cite "hidden activation fees" or confusing terms as issues. The strict rule enforcement can also catch traders off-guard – one example is a user who claimed to be banned for accidentally copying another trader's order during challenge. The firm's global licenses (Comoros, UAE, Cyprus) are far from top-tier regulators, so there is little oversight. In 2024 FundingPips faced a temporary Trustpilot suspension and scrutiny, suggesting potential compliance questions. US customers have fewer platform choices (no cTrader). Finally, no prop firm can eliminate market risk: as Howard Marks stresses, surviving losses is key, and even a funded account can disappear with one bad day if drawdowns hit the limits.
In summary, FundingPips presents a compelling package of features for ambitious traders – high leverage, generous profit splits, and modern infrastructure – but with trade-offs. It may suit those seeking flexibility and speed (e.g. EA traders or crypto traders), while risk-averse or inexperienced traders might view its simulated-only model with skepticism. Industry experts often caution that funded trading is a double-edged sword: while it can boost buying power, it also amplifies losses. As one trader asked, "Is FundingPips too good to be true, or does it live up to the hype?" Only a trader's personal goals and diligence can answer that.
Conclusion
Conclusively, no single prop firm is right for everyone. FundingPips should be considered alongside other options like FTMO, FundedNext, or FundedFirm, each with their own terms. It is important to note that any funded program imposes strict discipline and doesn't replace fundamental trading skill. As has been discussed earlier in the article, FundingPips' offerings (weekly payouts, flexible EAs, etc.) are attractive, but traders must do the math and perhaps try a small account first. In the end, knowledge is the best ally: understanding all rules is critical to avoid pitfalls. This review has aimed to equip readers with facts and expert insight (e.g. Buffett's and Marks' wisdom) so you can make an informed choice about FundingPips.